New Ballast rule goes into effect in 2014: DOE estimates the energy savings from new fluorescent ballast to be 2.7-5.6 quads over 30 years and the NPV to be $12.8-$21.6 billion at a 3% discount rate.
For details, check out the final rule:
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/pdfs/flbstandards_finalrule_frnotice.pdf
Changes to the automatic commercial icemaker test procedure include updating industry test procedures to the most current published versions, expanding coverage of the test procedure to all batch type and continuous type ice makers with capacities between 50 and 4,000 pounds of ice per 24 hours, and standardizing test results based on ice hardness for continuous type ice makers. The effective date of this rule is February 10, 2012 and the final rule changes will be mandatory for equipment testing starting January 7, 2013.
For DOE's final rule, click here:
California Energy Commission Press Release:
January 12, 2012
Energy Commission Plugs in Energy Efficiency Rules for Battery-Charged Appliances First-in-the-Nation Rules Will Save Consumers Over $300 Million Annually
SACRAMENTO - California just got smarter about saving energy for consumers and businesses.
The California Energy Commission today approved a first-in-the-nation energy efficiency standard that will reduce wasted energy by battery chargers commonly used to power cell phones, laptop computers, power tools, and other devices.
“When you consider powering California's plugged-in lifestyle, these new efficiency standards will save consumers money and energy," said Energy Commission Chair Dr. Robert Weisenmiller. "The standards will reduce the wasted electricity from powering our day-to-day appliances by
40 percent and help California meet its strategic climate policy goals.
Once again, California is setting the standard for energy efficiency, keeping the state’s dominance as the most energy efficient state per capita.”
Media Contact: Adam Gottlieb (916) 654-4989
Lighting efficiency standards enacted in 2007 will save the average American household $85 each year and more than $12.5 billion nationally each year when fully implemented. The Appliance Standards Awareness Project and the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy calculated potential savings on a state-by-state basis. Some states such as New York and Texas are expected to save over $1 billion annually. Check out your state savings here.
More efficient lighting will be phased in beginning in January 2012; Several options are available to replace traditional incandescents - advanced incandescents, CFLs, LEDs. Read More
Consensus Standards Developed by Advocates and Industry Will Save Consumers Billions
Washington, D.C. (June 10, 2011): A diverse coalition of consumer, manufacturing, and environmental groups praised new energy efficiency standards just released by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) establishing the first-ever regional standards for central air conditioners and furnaces, as well as strengthened national standards for heat pumps. The new rules are based on a joint recommendation filed with DOE by the groups in 2009.
“Climates as different as those of Minneapolis and Miami need different furnace and AC standards,” said Andrew deLaski, Executive Director of the Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP). “Until now, we’ve had one-size-fits-all national standards. These new, regional standards are a major breakthrough that will......." View the full Press Release, the Fact Sheet or the Agreement Text.
